DOJ statements on discrimination

ABC News brought forth the voices of LGBTQ activists on June 11, as they addressed the Department of Justice's statements seemingly in favor of religious protections under Title IX, which allegedly allow even government-funded religious colleges and universities to discriminate against minorities. LGBTQ activists emphasized that the statement goes against President Joe Biden's promises to protect their community, and although the DOJ has amended its initial wording, the statement's relation to Hunter v. the US Department of Education case – which is over the religious exemptions in question – has activists doubting the DOJ's commitment to the prosecution.

Equality Act in the Senate

CBS News reported on June 10 that the Equality Act, which would provide legal protections for LGBTQ people, has made its way to the Senate. Considering that 29 states lacking such laws, and protections differing in the states that do have them, the bill would provide nationwide protections in the realms of federal programs, housing, employment, education, and the like. With the Senate split evenly between the two major parties, Democrats would have to win over at least ten Republicans to pass the bill (with a 60-40 vote). Republican lawmakers seem concerned about the bill's effects on religious freedom, while a recent poll by the Public Religion Research Institute showed that 76% of Americans and 62% of Republicans support such anti-discrimination laws.